Jeongmul Oreum: a walk on an oreum named after a spring, looking out over Isidol Ranch and the sunset

Jeongmul Oreum is an oreum in Geumak-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si. Its very name is tied to water, so if you learn the story of the spring in front of it before you climb, the path will look a little different. From the top you can take in the neighbouring oreums and Isidol Ranch, together with Hallasan and the sea.

On many oreums, the view in front of you changes depending on which way you climb. Jeongmul Oreum is one of them. Decide on your walking direction and the time of day in advance, and even a short walk becomes much more rewarding.

The name comes from the spring in front of it, Jeongmul Spring

Jeongmul Oreum takes its name from Jeongmul Spring, which lies in front of the oreum. Although Jeju gets far more rain than the national annual average, drinking water was precious. In the mid-mountain areas it was even harder to find water to drink, so springs were treasured, and Jeongmul Spring was one of them.

The spring's water was clean and plentiful, and it is said that people from mid-mountain villages quite far from here also came to fetch water to drink. Walk on with the story of the spring in mind, and you can picture the days of the people who travelled a long way to draw water.

Photo: Grapesurgeon / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Water for people and livestock, and Isidol Ranch

The water of Jeongmul Oreum was precious not only to people but also to livestock. Nearby lies Isidol Ranch, counted as the most famous ranch in Jeju.

Looking out over Isidol Ranch, which creates a different landscape as the seasons change, is another pleasure of this oreum. Watching horses move across the wide, fresh green pasture, you can feel the spirit of the season just as it is. When you look toward the ranch, don't hurry; stay for a moment.

The ranch changes its face with every season, so there is pleasure in climbing the same oreum again in a different season. Once you have been, come back in another season and look toward the ranch from the top again. Comparing how much the view from the same spot changes is one way to keep enjoying oreum walks for a long time.

Photo: Grapesurgeon / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Clockwise, starting with the left path

When you arrive at Jeongmul Oreum, it is recommended to park and go around clockwise. If you go up the left path and come back down, you climb while looking at Hallasan and descend while looking at the sea.

Even on the same path, changing direction changes the view that opens up before you. On the way up, keep your eyes toward Hallasan; on the way down, toward the sea. If it is your first time on the path, check which way the left path goes before you set off. Having decided the direction, you are less likely to retrace your steps, and you can keep Hallasan in front of you all the way up. On a day of walking an oreum trail, wear shoes that won't slip and bring water to drink.

Neighbouring oreums and the sunset from the top

From the top you can see Dang Oreum, and Wonmul Oreum, which supplied life-giving water together with Jeongmul Oreum, lying in a line, as well as the peaceful surrounding roads. With Hallasan behind and the Jeju sea spreading out in front, it is a good place to visit at sunset.

If you climb toward sunset, allow plenty of time to come down. The path gets dark quickly after the sun goes down, so after watching the sunset it is safer not to come down too late.

Photo: Grapesurgeon / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Getting there, and what to check before you go

If you are using public transport, get directions to your destination at Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal or Seogwipo Intercity Bus Terminal, get off at Isidol Ranch, and walk about 10 minutes toward Seong Isidol Youth House. If you take the bus, think about the way back as well. If you plan to stay for the sunset before coming down, it is reassuring to decide in advance how you will get around afterwards.

Many oreums have addresses registered as mountain land, so navigation may not find the exact location, and many have no separate car park. Some oreums are private land where access is restricted or controlled. Before you set out, check accurate information with an information desk such as the Jeju Tourist Information Center. The address of Jeongmul Oreum is San 52-1, Geumak-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.

After coming down, a meal in Aewol

If you head toward Aewol after watching the sunset from Jeongmul Oreum, consider adding Mipojip Jeju Aewol to your list of places to eat. Check the travel time and traffic on a map before you set off, and it will be easier to decide when to eat.

If you want to satisfy the hunger of a day spent walking an oreum trail, take a look at the menu of Mipojip, which serves haemuljang (soy-cured seafood) and sotbap (pot rice). Talking over the ranch and the sea you saw from the top during the meal would make for a nice time as well.